Richard Sleigh (http://www.rsleigh.com) recorded Jerry Devillier at SPAH 2009 Convention. Jerry comes from the heart of Cajun country: Eunice Louisiana. Richard asked him to play a couple of his favorite songs on the harmonica and talk a bit about his mentor, Isom Fontineau, one of the great Cajun harmonica players. Isom and Jerry were both recorded and appear on two classic Arhoolie CDs, "Cajun Fais Do Do" and "Folksongs of the Louisiana Acadians"
He says Isom Thibodeaux, but it's Isom Fontenot, which was my grandfather.
cajunlady1204 11 months ago
Pass the Gumbo! I've been to Louisiana many times and love the Cajun sound.
craigschirato 1 year ago
Oh yeah...excellent! Jerry made quite an impression on a friend of mine (a great harp player himself). Sounds like someone playing the accordion...really terrific.
ReverbRob 1 year ago
Jerry Devillier has only been "discovered" by the American Harmonica community in the last few years. It may surprise many to know that Jerry was on stage in the 60's with a Cajun Band at Newport RI Folk Festival. One day that his band played Peter, Paul And Mary also performed on the same stage. Actually Jerry's Band got the Standing Ovation. Jerry's style is so unique because he is using the harmonica to mimic the sound of the Cajun Diatonic Accordion.
addisonhitch 2 years ago